Manga Books

If you enjoy CCS manga and anime then this book is a must have. CLAMP's gorgeous CCS artwork is packed into these artbooks. The back of the artbook features a extremely cute manga of Sakura and Li which is an exclusive!!! The artbook also comes with a really cute picture of Sakura and Li together and on the other side Sakura and Tomoya. Both will leave you with wide eyes and drooling mouths.

This book is very nice. It's filled with nothing but CLAMP's artwork from the CardCaptor Sakura manga (CCS for short). If your a fan of CCS, or CLAMP, or manga in general, then chances are good you'll like this book a lot. There's also a cute short comic at the back and a little fold-out, double sided poster.

Having already gotten the first Cardcaptor Sakura artbook, I was thrilled to receive the second one for Christmas. This time around, there were pictures of everyone (except Meilin, who if I recall correctly doesn't appear in the manga and therefore cannot be expected to appear in the artbook). Some of the pictures of the guardians (such as Yue and Kero) were absolutely stunning and I think I like this book even better than the first one!

The comic at the end was a wonderful tie-in to the comic in the first artbook, acting as sort of a sequel to the vignette seen before. This time it features Sakura and Li, and the pullout in the back of the book is a reversible of Sakura and Li and then Sakura and Tomoyo. Some of my favorite Sakura images are in this artbook and I consider it well worth the investment.

The entire artbook was printed on high quality paper, versus just the images like happened in the last artbook. It seems a little smaller, especially when you hold them side by side, but the layout is the same and the pictures are just as wonderful. I highly recommend this, as it makes a great present for any fan of Cardcaptor Sakura, especially those in love with its art!

Personally, I think this is the best one out of all three.
If I could, I'd give it way more stars than this.

This book contains pictures that are in the manga and not in the manga. This book is 100% authentic manga. It also has artist notes about the pictures, which are in English. It also has a double sided poster with Syoran and Sakura on one side, and Tomoyo and Sakura on the other. This book also includes a mini comic of Syoran being sick.
A good collector's item for a ccs fan.

I've watched the Japanese version of "Mewtwo Strikes back" and this book fits it to a perfect T! The BEST adaptation of the movie that I've seen! And to qoute another reviewer, it shows to the readers that Mewtwo is NOT a shallow villian, but more of a tortured philosopher who cannot realize the value of his unnatural life. Takeshi Shudo weaves a tale of a Pokémon-esque Frankenstein, if you will. In the origonal Mary Shelley version of Frankenstein, the monster escapes its master to find others, but doesn't understand why people fear it. it is confused and lashes out in self-defense, the humans labeling it as a "mosnter". They persue it, mainly because they are afraid of something they cannot understand. When i first saw the movie, I related it to the tale of Prometheus, the Greek Titan. The scientists were playing god. They were dabbling in a power that wasn't meant for them. It seemed natural for their creation to turn on them. Though, Mewtwo destroyed them in self-defense and because he was confused.

Blinded by rage and hatred and filled with confusion and emptiness, Mewtwo joined Giovanni, and eventually turned on the human also because he was being used.

I will not speak more of the plot, but I'll say this: This book is a much better adaptation than the actual novelization. If you're looking for a tale of creation, betrayal, and the value of life regardless of one's birth, then consider this book. The art is gorgeous, the story is unforgettable. Kudos to Takeshi Shudo! Domo arigatou for the great story!

Finally, an ACCURATE translation of Mewtwo Strikes Back. The book, the dubbed movie, all of them were severely altered from the true version. However, in the Art book you can finally read true quotes from Mewtwo Strikes Back and see that Mewtwo was no longer such a shallow villan, but rather a tortured philospher who could not realize that value of his unnatural life.

Mewtwo Strikes Back

This book would be enjoyed by someone who likes monsters. In the beginning, Ash, Misty, and Brock go out for a picnic. Meanwhile, Mewtwo is in a lab. Mewtwo is upset when he learned that he was a clone. He used his psychic power to destroy the lab. Mewtwo escapes and form a blue shield to protect himself from the flames. Later, Mewtwo rebuilds the lab that he destroyed and called New Island. Meanwhile when Misty, Brock, and Ash are having their picnic, Mewtwo tells Dragonite to deliver a hologram to Ash Misty, and Brock. The invitation is to come to New Island to see the world's best trainer.But the world's best trainer is really Mewtwo. I think that the movie was better than the book because the movie has the sound of the actors and battle sounds. The movie had more kick to it.2\2\00

This is a lot more accurate than the novelization of Pokemon: The First Movie. It includes a lot of art and pictures from the movie and also includes some quotes on the bottom of the pages from the different scenes. Has both the movie, and Pikachu's Vacation. I was a little concerned about it until I bought it. The book had proven me wrong. It was a lot better than I had expected and it's a book that any Pokemon fan might want to get . An excellent book. 5 stars.

I am so happy that the mist valley stuff is over now. the action and art is still awesome, just what you've come to expect from Miura. I was just not into this story though. the elves and what not... just didn't do it for me.

Miura continues his opus with this 16th volume and shows the same skill and beauty in his art as he always does. His work is perfect.

I do wish that Dark Horse had opted not to translate the sound effects, Miura's art is all the description the reader needs.

I think this book well summarizes everything I like about the series to date, it has good action scenes, good interactions, and a bit of dark humor.
I disagree with an earlier reviewer, I am glad that Dark Horse is now translating the sound effects - I also like the fact that they're not just ham-handedly trying to convert it into English equivalents there are some things for which it just doesn't work. (The 'sound' of something being noticed, for example).

I especially liked this book for a few reasons. One reason is it has an excellent quote by Guts, ".. look at the darkness around me.", once you've read that part you'll know what I mean. Secondly, we can see the dark side of Guts continue to grow with "The Beast of Darkness". Lastly, the action is intense and superbly drawn by Miura. Guts' unquenchable thirst for revenge really shows here...

The band of the hawks are in for some crazy stuff. The story only gets more twisted and awsome as it progresses.

At this point I am sure that I will never find a manga that can compete with Berserk for the top spot on my list. This manga has it all, breathtaking art, a mesmerizing and complex plot, multiple themes intertwined in the story, and a great dose of violence, gore and sensuality. But above all, it has a character that fans love and can empathize with. The transformation Guts has suffered throughout this series is mindboggling, and it feels like this volume is a crucial one in this evolution, kind of like a fork in the road.

At the end of the previous volume the Hawks were still fighting to capture the strategically important Doldorey castle, and both Guts and Casca were in deep trouble. Guts had a broken sword and was facing the fiercest soldier in the Chudan army and Casca was in dire straits once more, against the "immortal" Adon. On top of all this, the duke in charge of the castle is the one that got Griffith to sleep with him years ago in exchange for money for the Hawks, and now the duke wants another taste. In this setting, an interesting character from Guts' past reappears and has, once more, a considerable impact on Guts' destiny. Fans of the series will love this.

Politics are still an important part of the story, as Griffith and the Hawks continue to make enemies among the nobles and royal family. The conspiracies abound, and the Machiavellian Minister Foss is still an instrumental part in the plotting of the nobles. He is the brain and puppet master behind the whole operation. But also, in the previous volume we saw a hint of romance appear in the story, and this is augmented now, especially with the relationship between Griffith and Charlotte. This multiplicity of themes keep the interest level high and prevent us from getting bored from seeing the same thing over and over, which is a problem for many mangas.

We have seen Guts say that he will leave the Hawks after this campaign is over. The question is if he will change his mind or not, especially now that he is starting to develop a friendship with Casca. Witnessing the evolution of this plot line is one of the most attractive aspects of this volume, but there is also the fight that ends this installment. Although it is really short, this confrontation ranks among the best in the series due to its level of emotion and what it means for the future. Hope other fans enjoy it as much as I did.

This is the best Manga out there. It gets interesting with each volume. And in this volume on, the story begins to differ than its animation counter part.

So for those of you who saw the anime and didnt read the comic, I sugget you start reading from here because there are important characters and events that were cut from the animation.

Berserk is probably my favorite Japanese-imported fantasy series. Set in the feudal era where destiny seemed so ingrained, one man bravely swung his sword to ensure his own freedom. Guts is the one man with enough power and determination to challenge the transcendental entities, the Godhand, that impose their sordid sick will on humanity.

Never have I so desperately cheered on a protagonist as he took on insurmountable odds with the careless, berserking rage that carried the weight of an entire era.

In vol. 8, a Guts much reformed by the heat of battle again challenges Griffith, this time for his freedom from the Hawks. Despite the successes of the Hawks and Griffith's seemingly unstoppable campaign to the Midland throne, Guts wants to swing his sword freely. The life of a mercernary is all he has ever known. Life as a noble simply could not fulfill his own dreams and sense of purpose.

Also, Guts can no longer stand being the subordinate of Griffith, Guts battles to claim equality with Griffith, the man ordained by the Behelit (The Egg of the one who would be king). In a discussion with his closest companion Judeau, he realizes that he must become his own man. Judeau, seeing that he might attain this dream, does not attempt to convince him to stay.

However, Judeau does warn Guts that Caska, the woman he respects and probably loves, would not leave the Hawks. Guts revealed that in her eyes, he cannot compare with Griffith. However, if he were to make a name for himself, maybe she would look his way. Either way, it is time for Guts to leave the Hawks.

"Berserk" is the proof positive that the comic book is one of the greatest products of the arts, combining two mediums: drawing and storytelling. I await the next volume with great anticipation, and even more so the one after that in which Guts pursues the demonized Griffith. If you like anime or manga, do not pass this by!

After a series of volumes in which happiness abounded and things were looking up, this installment represents a turning point in the story and a return to darker times. At the end of the previous volume, Guts swiftly defeated Griffith and abandoned him and the Band of Hawks. Guts did this in an effort to seek his destiny and his dream instead of just following Griffith's. But now he is already having doubts, especially since for the first time in his life he had a group of people he could call friends.

Griffith has been greatly affected by Guts' departure but is still pursuing his dream, and in the process he is getting romantically involved with Princess Charlotte. But there will be repercussions from his actions. In the meantime, Casca, who had started developing a friendship with Guts, misses him greatly, as does a good portion of the Band of the Hawks.

There are two things that make this an outstanding volume in this superb series. First, the story speeds forward into darker times with an intensity seldom seen, but also manages to insert some interesting elements in the process. Second, you will get to witness one of the most awaited moments of the series, and one which allows the creator to show his magnificent ability for detailed and vivid drawings.

Once again, we get a healthy dose of violence and gore, but this installment contains a much higher concentration of sexual scenes than any of the previous ones. There are even elements of incest, and some of the allusions get bolder and bolder. Moreover, some of these elements are efficiently used in helping understand better the psyche of the characters. Fans of the series will likely find this volume to be one of the best in the series so far.

I was able to get a great price on these New Beserk books but it took around 8-10 days before I received them.

If you've found yourself tiring of high school comedies & ninja kids, but still want engaging graphic storytelling, then do yourself a favor & give this series a try.

By volume 9, Miura's style is at it's height. This volume is the end of the beginning, so to speak - the good times of comraderie, romping around as a mercenary gang, climbing up the midland social ladder - are coming to a sudden and violent end. Griffith's ambition may destroy the hawks once and for all...

The series is now almost to the point where the Anime left off..and believe me, you want to see what happens next.

Background (general series) info: In the feudal era, a time of demons and knights, one man refuses to let anyone else control his destiny. Gatsu, a mercernary who recently left the infamous "Band of the Hawk," wanders and trains to become even stronger. As the protagonist of the series, Guts approaches battle with a mixture of savagery and cunning that is utterly destructive.

This issue: Guts has just left his post in the mercernary group, the Hawks. To do so, he defeated Griffith in a duel. Upon gaining his freedom, he wanders alone into the woods, confronted by the Knight of Skeleton. Strangely, this awesome figure utters advice that he believes will save Guts' life. Something incredibly ominous approaches. Something is about to happen that will change the lives of Guts, Caska, and Griffith forever.

If you enjoy a good plot, you cannot go wrong with Berserk. It is such a strange and skillful blend of fantasy and realism that you become completely submerged in it. I highly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys action and supernatural intrigue.

While Hisoka's character initially comes off as dull and diminutive, she is actually an extremely tragic character (and not because she is sick.) I literally cried when Hisoka made the choice that she did; here is a woman who has never decided anything for herself, ever, and this is her one time to choose her own destiny. Yes, it is bittersweet; however, I was able to overlook the "sad" overtones and see this woman's only chance at freedom, and a freedom that she has chosen for herself.

I would reccomend reading this one if you care more about story than battle. There is a fight or two, but mostly this volume focuses on human fates and how much control we have over what happens.

Compared to vol. 12, Fall Frost, this one proceeds at a more dignified but depressing pace. We return once more Anotsu, whose involvement with Kensui-dono and his beautiful daughter Hisoka deepens.

Personally, I found this arc a little tedious; Hisoka never really captured my interest. Ah, I wish Anotsu would hurry up and rejoin his crazy Itto-ryu buddies. However, I *did* enjoy seeing new facets to his character through his treatment of the three women who appear in this volume: Hisoka, Rin and Makie (yes, *she* returns!).

Manji doesn't make a appearance. Hopefully he'll reunite with Rin soon.

I have to tell all of you who have waited for this comic, that the long wait was well worth it. Hiroaki Samura cannot be praised enough. His drawings just become better and better for each comic.
WARNING: PART OF THE PLOT:

Anotsu Kagehisa is betrayed the clan he married himself to, and faces severel assassination attemts. Now on the run with Rin(!), yes, Rin manages to tag along with Anutsu, we (the readers) get to see new sides of Anutsu. And that despite his badass appearence he might be quite an o.k. guy. Manji is still looking for Rin, and although he is one of the main characters, we see fairly little of him.
If you like Blade of the immortal you must buy this comic.

Blade of the Immortal, in brief summery:

Think it would be great to live forever? Manji, a ronin of eighteenth century Japan, doesn't agree. Cursed to immortal life for prior misdeeds, he must dispatch a thousand evil men to the judgment of the Buddha in order to die himself. Joining a young girl on her quest for vengeance against the rebellious Itto-Ryu sword school, Manji soon has dire need for his twelve blades as he faces a motley assortment of hardened warriors, prostitutes, psychopaths and philosophers. The thousand-man requirement is met by the painful stroke of give-and-take, and is told in a fashion that puts most modern epics to shame.

Throughout what I like to call BotI's `second phase' (graphic novels #6-#14), the story-arc has gradually moved away from the adventures of the immortal rascal Manji and focused more and more upon the 22-year old sword-genius Anotsu Kagehisa. A revolutionary leader of Edo-period Japan - "the pillar upon which a thousand men stand" - Anotsu has dealt some major suffering in his bid to unify the disparate sword-schools of the samurai; the karmic repercussions begin to unfold in this, the thirteenth BotI volume released on U.S. shores.

(warning: spoilers follow)

*Mirror of the Soul* contains two major reunions for long-term readers. The first occurs when Anotsu, returning to Edo after his `vacation' at the Shingyoto dojo, happens upon an unconscious girl sprawled upon Mt. Hakusan. After tending to her condition, he is shocked to discover that the girl is Rin Asano, whom he orphaned some two years previous during the Itto-Ryu's initial insurgent rampage. During that time Rin has honed her warrior-skills with the whetstone of hatred: along with Manji, she's reduced the Itto-Ryu's army by a good dozen and tracked its leader's path all the way to Kaga. Yet other swordsmen are questing Anotsu's blood on this fine autumn day. Over the course of the entire series the reader has been told, again and again, how dangerous Kagehisa-domo is: in *Mirror of the Soul* we are finally given graphic display of this ability when he takes on four hooded assassins and manages to completely slaughter these opponents without even breaking a sweat. For Anotsu, no sword can cross the path of ambition: "Those who face me, knowing my name, take up arms against the thousand followers bound to me. You interfere with my grandfather's dream and block my own path to the future. And so - feel the weight of my blade! Scatter like leaves on the wind!" But the only thing scattered here are severed limbs and decapitated heads...

The second reunion involves the return of Makie Otono-tachibana, an ex-prostitute and the deadliest woman in Japan. Last seen in BotI vol. 3, *Dreamsong,* Makie has abandoned the way of the sword for a quiet, peaceful existence in the Kaga mountains, weaving travel-mats for merchants and smoking opium to dull the pain of her tragic past. The past will not relent, however: ghosts haunt her memories, and former lover Anotsu cannot tolerate to see natural talent go to waste.

*Mirror of the Soul* is a pivotal volume in Blade's second-phase storyarc. Alongside the significance of these two reunions, Anotsu also discovers that he had been betrayed by the Shogun's bakufu; he is forced to flee into the backcountry of Kaga, injured and increasingly ill, while revenge-seeking students hunt for his head and Rin Asano doggedly follows his step, waiting for her own chance to avenge her slain parents. The threads developed in *Mirror* will explode in the next BotI volume, *Last Blood,* wherein old friends and bitter enemies shall dance to the song of steel, fighting for honor, for revenge; for the past and the future; for love and the ruin thereof. In other words, it's an all-out brawl between the Itto-Ryu and the Shingyoto-Ryu, with a certain wisecracking immortal thrown in the mix for good measure.

An essential chapter in the Blade of the Immortal saga, *Mirror of the Soul* comes with my highest recommendations. Five Stars.

Additional Note: In my observation, there are roughly three storyarc `phases' to Blade of the Immortal. The first phase (graphic novels #1-#5) focuses on Manji and Rin as they wander around Edo [ancient Tokyo], hunting members of the Itto-Ryu. The second phase (graphic novels #6-#14), introduces a host of new characters and complications into the main storyline, with increasing focus on the political ramifications and emotional trauma of Anotsu's revolution. The third phase is the ongoing `prison' story-arc, currently being published in Japan: a perusal of import bookshops on the `Net should gain the diligent reader access to the four (untranslated) graphic novels currently in print. Cautious calculations estimate Blade of the Immortal could run up to 20+ English volumes before the story is finished!

Actually, I am going to rewrite this review a little better seeing as how not many have reviewed it. They take so long to release new novels so this novel will really make you want the next one, but you know it will take another year to release.

Magatsu and Shira are ready to go at it. There are quite a few surprises. Namely Shira. Also, Magatsu releases a few surprises as well. The art becomes beautiful.

This issue is easily read. Now, BTOI has one problem in the entire series. I don't mind that they flipped the panels, but some panels aren't flipped. Sometimes(rarely) a person will be holding a sword with his left hand, then it will be in his right hand on the next panel. This is often confusing as I sometimes have to read a page a few times to understand. Dark Horse did a great job of translating and flipping it, but if you want to alter a masterpiece you will probably mess up. Past issues have found me lost in some battles as they do occasionaly leave things unflipped which can lead to confusion(namely the battle in "On Silent Wings" part 2). This issue is wonderfully flipped and I only noticed two mistakes in the issue. One was where Magatsu's sword switched hands, the other was when he, well, I can't tell you. Still, they did a wonderful job of making the battles much easier to read, and very interesting.

There are quite a few instances where I was surprised, but none compared to the way Shira is drawn. He is so evil, yet he is done perfectly. A very interesting panel is where he says, "Scary, huh. HUH!". I cringed when I read that panel and saw how beautifully Shira was drawn. He almost scared me a bit as he is done perfectly. 5 stars for the art.

We also get to see some of Rin's travels although they are short. Finally, the issue leaves the reader with 20 or so pages on Anotsu. Interesting in it's own way, but not compared to Magatsu/Shira.

This novel was done great. It is a smaller book. It is thick though. That is what counts because the art is simply scaled down a bit. It is basically as thick as HEART OF DARKNESS. You really get a great issue here.

The editorial review is incorrect in stating that BotI: Autumn Frost collects issues #73-#78, it actually collects issues #73-#80. In addition to Manji and Magatsu tracking down Shira, this volume also includes Anotsu agreeing to marry Hisoka as a condition of merging the Itto-ryu with the Shingyoto-ryu.

Think it would be great to live forever? Manji, a crass ronin of eighteenth century Japan, doesn't agree. Cursed to immortal life for prior misdeeds, he must dispatch a thousand evil men to the judgment of the Buddha in order to die himself. Joining a young girl on her quest for vengeance against the rebellious Itto-Ryu sword school, Manji soon has dire need for his twelve blades as he faces a motley assortment of hardened warriors, psychopaths, philosophers and just plain jokers. The thousand-man requirement is met by the painful stroke of give-and-take; and is told in a fashion that puts most modern epics to shame.

This, the twelfth compilation released overseas, features the return of Blade's most vicious scoundrel, Shira, a cold-eyed killer capable of unspeakable depravities. At the climax of *Heart of Darkness* (BotI vol. 7), Manji cut off Shira's right arm, putting a kink in the assassin's typical routine of butchery, whoring and all-around reprobate-behavior. Upset but unruffled, Shira has decided that an `eye for an eye' is an adequate reparation for the loss of his arm; he intends on taking Manji's right appendage in payment and enlists three dim-witted stooges to help him ambush the lazy immortal. But unbeknownst to Shira's death-lust maneuverings, Manji is traveling with Magatsu Taito - a former top-blade warrior of the rogue Itto-ryo sword school - who has a grudge to settle with the serial-killer. . .

This `love/hate-triangle' is perhaps the most desperate fight of the series so far, as Magatsu and Shira cannot resuscitate themselves a la wound-healing bloodworms. With Manji, one always _knows_ he can survive just about any blow short of having his head chopped off; and after the violence-orgy of *The Gathering*, wherein the ronin's immorality was tested to an almost ridiculous limit, Hiroaki Samura decided to shift the conflict-emphasis to the other, `normal' characters. In *Autumn Frost*, the duel between Magatsu and Shira quickly reaches a dangerous level of piercing-threshold and pain: the tension of the close-quarter combat, coupled with the feverish passions of both hero and antagonist, give the story as a whole a much-needed jolt of unpredictability and potential mortality.

I was initially surprised to find that Dark Horse included two issues after *Autumn Frost's* harrowing conclusion, the one-shots `The Wind and the Heron' and `Petals on the Wind', which detail the growing relationship of Anotsu and Hisoka Shingyoto. In hindsight, though, I can see why, as this profoundly brief romantic interlude offers a telling contrast to the stonehearted feud of the previous storyarc. . . and when I say brief, I mean brief - events are already transpiring to doom the dreams of these star-crossed lovers.

A note on the artwork: Hiroaki Samura's technique can almost be considered the antithesis of mainstream Manga. Instead of the ultra-clean ink-lines and the large eyes/small mouth stereotypes perpetuated in most Japanese comics, Samura favors a sketch-technique to his backgrounds and action sequences, along with [fairly] proportional humanistic characteristics (the ears are a bit large). The detail and craftsmanship are, as always, superb, particularly in the pencil-work and frame-perspective. More importantly, Samura has evolved in his plotting and drafting of combat: no over-reliance of hacked limbs and death-murals here! Instead, the fight-scenes are so visceral and tension-laden that one can almost smell the coppery stench of intermingled blood, dust and sweat; feel the kicks, blows and (multiple) stabbings as our heroes struggle toward their long-awaited culmination. It's a welcome change from *Beasts*' grim assortment of decapitations and limb-loss.

Five stars.

Hiroaki Samura's 'Blade of the Immortal,' set in the late 18th Century, is the story of that adventures of Manji, a swordsman made immortal and Rin, a young woman who seeks revenge against the men of the Itto-ryu, who killed her father, These are led by Anotsu, an unorthodox but deadly fighter himself. At this point in the story Manji and Rin have become separated, as each pursues their own path to Kaga, where Anotsu awaits.

Manji has teamed up with another fighter, Magatsu, and the story starts with them swapping adventures on the road. Suddenly an old enemy of both, Shira, appears. Shira is a psychotic with a taste for killing women and the girl Magatsu loved was among his victims. This triggers a free for all battle that occupies the majority of this manga, pitting Manji and Magatsu against Shira and a set of hired killers. As is normal for Samura, the fighting is imaginative and beautifully choreographed, as well as full of Manji's wry sarcasm.

We get a short glimpse of Rin before the focus shifts to Anotsu himself, focusing on his decision to accept Hisoka's hand in marriage. This exacerbates the tension over Anotsu's take-over of the sword school where she resides. While this has yet to break out into decisive action, the note of violence hangs over the wedding like a promise, and it is only a matter of time before Anotsu's mettle is tested again.

It is interesting that Anotsu, originally introduced as a villain, is gradually being shifted into a more sympathetic role. Samura has spent the time to develop him as a character, and it is impossible not to feel some sympathy for his goals, even if his methods are often cruel. What this will mean in the long run is difficult to foresee, but clearly there are more surprises planned.

'Blade of the Immortal' has been a series as exceptional in its way as 'Battle Angel Alita' is in its. In each case, the hero gradually develops from cold fighter to a brilliantly alive human being, dedicated to his companions. Of course, Alita's appeal is more universal, while Manji remains focused on his local problems. Hiroaki Samura uses the vehicle of the story to bring to life the Japan of his times, touching not just on the Samurai class but a wide swath of society. While the extreme violence makes this a story that is not for everyone it is an exemplar of its genre.

The ever expanding universe of Tite Kubo's masterpiece, Bleach, expands again with this awesome volume.

Tite Kubo, Bleach: Tattoo on the Sky (ViZ, 2001)

So how will the crew get into the walled city where Rukia is being held? By being shot out of a cannon, of course! But that doesn't mean all their problems are solved-- far from it, as what waits for them on the other side of the wall makes the battles they've had before look like a walk in the park. Another fine entry in the series, which is well worth your time-- if you're not a Bleach fan yet, pick up the first issue and become one. ****

If Ichigo and the rest are to survive their way past the barrier to the Soul Society, he must first learn to control his massive spiritual energy into a shield to punch through it.
More of the Soul Society is introduced, giving some idea of how things are run in there.
The battles are few, but excellent. And the rest is far from boring.

"Tattoo on the Sky" finds our heroes as guests of the slightly crazy explosives expert Shiba Kuukaku--Ichigo, Yoruichi-san and company need her help breaking and entering into Seireitei. Kuukaku's brother Ganjuu, with whom Ichigo tangled in the previous volume, is hanging around too, with predictable (and amusing) consequences as far as Ichigo's temper goes. Although the group succeeds in turning themselves into a spirit-force cannonball, once they arrive in Seireitei, the fun is just getting started. Meanwhile, meetings of the captains and vice-captains of the 13 squads are held, and Ichimaru Gin is called on the carpet to answer for his unapproved actions regarding the intruders.

In my opinion Bleach is probably the best shounen manga in print today. Tite Kubo is certainly one of the best mangaka; his artwork is always amazing, his shifts from chibi form and back are perfectly timed, and he has an uncanny ability to pick the exact moment to depict in every frame. The sense of movement in his best work is palpable.

Bleach was awesome from the beginning, but as the Soul Society arc picks up speed it's only getting better. Hollows are nothing compared to the challenges Ichigo has already faced and the new opponents (Madarame Ikkaku) he fights in this volume...to say nothing of the foes who lie ahead. Moreover, despite introducing a wealth of fascinating new characters, Tite Kubo still finds time to depict the continuing growth of our favorites Orihime, Ishida, and Chad, and Rukia's own history is slowly revealing itself.

All in all, Viz is doing quite a good job with its American editions, but I suppose I've been spoiled by reading Del Rey. The lack of honorifics is disorienting, and there are a few cases where attempts to make the Japanese more easily understandable come dangerously close to destroying the meaning (in particular, Ikkaku's comments about he and Ichigo's names). Moreover, I want my color pages! And would it kill Viz to print the title on the front cover? It's in English in the Japanese...But, all that being said, it is nice that Viz translates the sound effects, which are almost impossible to pick up unless one can ask a native speaker.

Really, what are you waiting for? It's awesome. Run, don't walk.

The ever expanding universe of Tite Kubo's masterpiece, Bleach, expands again with this awesome volume.

I loved Bleach 8. It helped me understand the series a little better. At first I didn't grasp the concept of a soul reapers sword. But now this book has opened a new door of understanding for me. I was hooked the first time I saw it sitting on a shelf at borders.

Tite Kubo, Bleach: The Blade and Me (ViZ, 2002)

Ichigo continues his training, culminating in a duel with hat-and-clogs himself. The other folks involved in Ichigo's loosely-knit band are also preparing, in their own ways, for the journey to free Rukia from her imprisonment. The usual mix of action ad character development, and with the same (sometimes surprisingly) high quality we've come to expect from Bleach. Good stuff, this. ****

I love this book to its my favorite book ever I enjoyed it a lot this book also leaves you at the edge of your see to I couldn't wait for it... I guess I could say i was lookin forward to this book to... Ichigo whether becomes a hollow or not? The path he walks leads him to a new stranger he does not know of til he is told, and than... you can read it ^_^

So after writing a satisfying megahit action series set in 19th-century Japan, just what is a manga author supposed to do?

Well, in the case of Nobuhiro Watsuki, he writes something almost completely different -- a comedy-action story about a modern-day boy who becomes involved in the world of alchemy. And the first volume of "Buso Renkin" is a smooth introduction to Watsuki's world, along with some polished artwork and likable characters.

Kazuki has a nightmare about trying to rescue a girl, and being killed by a monster, but thinks nothing more of it.... until he gets a text message telling him to enjoy his new life.

But then a surly teacher turns into a mechanical cobra and attacks him -- and Kazuki ends up trying to defend himself and his innocent sister. Turns out an alchemical device has replaced his heart, and it also gives him a megasized sword called the Buso Renkin. And the mystery girl -- Tokiko -- reveals that there is a massive battle going on between the monstrous homunculi and the Alchemical warriors.

Though Tokiko orders him to stay out of her battles, Kazuki believes that his power means he must fight and protect the humans around him. But then they're confronted by a mysterious masked boy, who is the master of the homunculi -- and even worse, he plans to make Tokiko one of his homunculus slaves, if they don't find a way to defeat him.

Those expecting a copy of "Rurouni Kenshin's" characters and storyline -- even in modern times -- won't find it here. It's more fantastical and strange than that -- lots of alchemical action scenes (including one involving rose vines), big nasty monsters, a mysterious villain, a warrior girl heroine, and a likably flaky hero with a self-sacrificial streak.

And while the start of a manga series is usually pretty bumpy, "Buso Renkin" introduces its characters and plot pretty smoothly. Watsuki just lets the unfolding storyline reveal the plot, rather than burdening readers with explanatory dialogue or long rambling "revelations." Even the suspenseful first chapter is an unusual introduction, albeit a bit too high-school-goofballish.

And Watsuki's polished artwork goes well with the high-intensity, fast-paced action scenes, usually with loads of flying blades and bolts of energy. But he balances it out nicely with some comedic moments -- usually from Kazuki ("Dang it! I'll avenge myself") -- and maybe the barest tinge of romance. Even better, he adds his own unique spin to the whole fantasy-alchemy thing, and a plausible reason to involve our hero.

Kazuki is a particularly fun character -- he's an ordinary kid whose spacey, somewhat dramatic personality hides his true strength and courage. Tokiko is a bit harder to warm up to, since she's tough and fairly hard-nosed, but she's a solid girl-warrior with plenty of guts and personality.

The first volume of "Buso Renkin" does a solid job setting up the overall plot, and there's plenty of action, some solid villains, and a likable hero to keep readers going.

From the creator who brought you Rurouni Kenshin and Gun Blaze West, comes yet another great masterpiece by Nobuhiro Watsuki. Buso Renkin is another great action/adventure graphic novel from one of the best in the business.

The story is about a young high school student named Kazuki Muto. After saving a young girl named Tokiko and sacrificing his own life, Tokiko plants a device called a Buso Renkin in place of his heart. Now with more enemies popping up all over Japan Kazuki must help defend his new life and his friends.

I loved this series and I believe it is the greatest thing that Nobuhiro Watsuki created. The story line is deep and the action is unbelievable! But what really makes this a greater series than Rurouni Kenshin, is that it has more comedy. It will make you giggle under your breath and make you smile and shake your head. I recommend this series to any or all manga fans who are looking for the newest and greatest series!

Buso Renkin Volume 1 receives 5 stars out of 5.

My name is Amone! Adios!

Nobuhiro Watsuki, the mangaka of the now famous manga and anime series "Rurouni Kenshin", has done it again with "Buso Renkin." This story of a young man (Kazuki Muto) that becomes wrapped up in a war involving the last two successful strands of alchemy (the Homunculus and the Buso Renkin) perfectly blends explosive action, hilarious comedy and extremely likable characters. Even if you did miss out on Rurouni Kenshin, I easily recommend Buso Renkin to any fan of manga. Five stars, flat out. "BUSO RENKIN!"

I am a big fan of Rurouni Kenshin; I have read all the 28 volumes. When I heard that Watsuki had another series I was really excited. Kenshin was Watsuki's first series; the path of a Manga-ka can be difficult. Over the years Watsuki has perfected his drawing style and story telling skills. The result is Buso Renkin. Don't get me wrong though, Kenshin is a great series.

Buso Renkin shows great promise and I am looking forward to this story. One of the great things that Watsuki does is by having a couple of pages in the manga of how he creates characters, what is going on in his life, and what fans are saying. It makes reading the manga a more personal experience. I am diffidently looking forward to the anime that will be premiering this fall in Japan (which I'm sure will come out in the states if this manga sells well)!